Auckland Beaches are some of the serene spots with different beautiful coastlines. These beaches range from the ones with golden sands and volcanic rocks to the ones with lush greenery. There are many eating spots along the coastlines of these beaches which offer an immersive experience. Each beach is unique in itself and is home to a variety of marine species. Here are ten of the best Auckland Beaches that should tempt you to pack your swimwear, sunscreen, and camera.
10 Beaches In Auckland
Auckland boasts of beach tourism which has clean sandy beaches, and natural beauty. There are many Auckland Beaches where you can swim, surf, walk, or just relax.
1. Piha Beach
Photo: Francisco Anzola / Wikimedia Commons
Piha Beach is one of the most beautiful black-sand beaches of Auckland protected by cliffs and extremely challenging waves. Situated on the west coast of Auckland, Piha is popular among both, hard-core surfers and those in love with an adventurous seashore. Some interesting spots around the beach include the Lion Rock and a volcanic outcrop in the center of the beach which complements the scenic beauty of Piha. A visitor can take a walk on the volcanic black sandy beach, go for a nature trek around the area’s bushes, or even watch the sun.
Major Attractions: Surfing, Lion Rock, black sand
Best Time To Visit: December to March
2. Mission Bay Beach
Photo: gérard / Wikimedia Commons
Mission Bay Beah is colourful and is brightened by cafes and restaurants and a view of Rangitoto Island. Further, there are playgrounds and picnic zones in the territory of the beach so it is appropriate for families with children. Being one of the tourist hubs in Auckland, Mission Bay certainly invites tourists in this city to take a walk along this beach. One of the nearby attractions is Selwyn Domain, a small park with fountains.
Major Attractions: Dining options, playground, view of Rangitoto Island
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
3. Takapuna Beach
Photo: Sandy Austin / Wikimedia Commons
Takapuna Beach in Auckland is one of the most attractive and easily accessible beach spots accompanied by several facilities. This section is therefore perfect for swimming, paddle boarding, and kayaking. The cafés and shops that line the area are a plus. Takapuna Beach also offers a view of Rangitoto Island. There are multiple picnic spots near the Takapuna Beach Reserve. This beach has good parking areas. The area around the beach is also a nightlife hub and a significant shopping centre on the North Shore.
Major Attractions: Paddleboarding, cafes, Takapuna Beach Reserve
Best Time To Visit: November to April
4. Long Bay Regional Park Beach
Photo: Avenue / Wikimedia Commons
Long Bay Regional Park Beach has a large expanse of sand with occasional roads along with beautiful spots for picnicking. This beautiful place is the favourite place for local people and tourists to spend time with a combination of beach views, swimming, and barbeque. Behind the beach, you might find units for games. The nearby Long Bay Marine Reserve offers snorkelling opportunities too for those interested in sea creatures. There are restoration areas of Pingao and Spinifex.
Major Attractions: Picnic areas, marine reserve, coastal walking trails
Best Time To Visit: Summer months
5. Bethells Beach (Te Henga)
Photo: russellstreet / Wikimedia Commons
Bethells Beach, more familiarly known as Te Henga it refers to the long fortunes which are found along the beach’s coastline. This beach is famous for its black sand and cliffs and is popular among travellers, who want to enjoy a more secluded sight. There are interesting caves and jogging trails near the beach which makes the beach famous among hikers and photographers. A variety of shells are found at Bethells Beach too.
Major Attractions: Coastal hikes, black sand, sea caves
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
6. Cheltenham Beach
Devonport is home to the charming Cheltenham Beach which is most suitable for families and children because it is shallow and the water is very clear. This beach is popular as it offers spectacular views of Rangitoto Island. The spot is quiet and is an excellent place for sunbathing, swimming, or a long walk. The beach at Devonport is renowned for its multiple harbourside dining and drinking establishments.
Major Attractions: Calm waters, Rangitoto Island view
Best Time To Visit: Summer months
7. Orewa Beach
Photo: Kristina D.C. Hoeppner / Wikimedia Commons
Lying along the Hibiscus Coast of Auckland is the splendid Orewa Beach, which has become a leading family weekend outing and water sports arena. Especially for families, Orewa has a very long sandy beach where one can play volleyball, sunbathe and swim. The water is calm here and hence would be ideal for children and other learner swimmers. The beach is also accompanied by a choice of cafes and shops, so all the needs of any tourist spending a day on the sea coast are satisfied.
Major Attractions: Water sports, long shoreline, nearby cafes
Best Time To Visit: December to February
8. Karekare Beach
Photo: BilleBalle1958 / Wikimedia Commons
Karekare Beach is a wild, black sand beach with spectacular cliffs. This beach attracts people interested in more extreme forms of activity including watersports. It’s one of the most beautiful beaches, located among cliffs, bushes, and trees. Karekare is ideal for a walk along the nature trails that crisscross through the dense forest area. While swimming could be a problem because of the current, this beach is perfect for a picnic. Karekare Beach is a pure black sand surf beach.
Major Attractions: Black sand, scenic cliffs, secluded setting
Best Time To Visit: Summer months
9. Anchor Bay (Tāwharanui Regional Park)
Photo: Pseudopanax / Wikimedia Commons
Anchor Bay which is in the Tāwharanui Regional Park, is a white sand kind of beach. It is located near the wildlife reserve to provide the best combination of tranquillity. Due to its shallow waters, boats cannot sail to the bay. There is good scope for snorkelling because of its seclusion. There are many beautiful trails to hike near the beach. Anchor Bay is a famous surfing area, especially for beginners. There are bathrooms and changing rooms near the beach but no shops or anything.
Major Attractions: Wildlife reserve, snorkelling, crystal-clear waters
Best Time To Visit: November to March
10. Maraetai Beach
Photo: russellstreet / Wikimedia Commons
Maraetai Beach is located in Maraetai. It lies on the eastern coast of Auckland and is a relatively quiet beach with wonderful water for swimming. This beach is ideal for making family visits because it has adequate space for organising picnics and a few cafes close to the coast. This hidden gem guarantees a quiet environment as well as an unforgettable day-by-the-water experience. A regional park located in the vicinity of Maraetai Beach is Omana Regional Park.
Major Attractions: Tranquil waters, picnic spots, seaside cafes
Best Time To Visit: Year-round
An amazing variety of Auckland’s beaches can be found. They range from the wild black sand ones to the child-friendly bays. Beginning with the breathtaking scenery of Piha to the calm shores of Maraetai, every beach represents the best of New Zealand’s nature and its love for the outdoors. If you are a resident or a tourist, the Auckland beach trip is the best gateway into nature, adventure, and relaxation. Plan a with TripXL which promises a surreal experience.
Cover Photo: Sébastien Goldberg / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only